2005 Ford Thunderbird
Only 27 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 27 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 3 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 3 |
| 1984 | 26 |
| 1985 | 14 |
| 1986 | 23 |
| 1987 | 63 |
| 1988 | 92 |
| 1989 | 125 |
| 1990 | 141 |
| 1991 | 112 |
| 1992 | 186 |
| 1993 | 425 |
| 1994 | 315 |
| 1995 | 261 |
| 1996 | 233 |
| 1997 | 169 |
| 1998 | 3 |
| 1999 | 2 |
| 2002 | 93 |
| 2003 | 33 |
| 2004 | 34 |
| 2005 | 27 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 27 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
5 of 27 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
WHEN I INSERTED THE KEY TO START THE CAR, THE BATTERY (LOCATED IN THE TRUNK) EXPLODED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120526
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE AUDIBLE WARNING THAT ALERTS THE OCCUPANTS THE SEAT BELTS ARE NOT SECURED WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT HAS NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20060523
4 of 27 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
Show complaint excerpts
LETTER FROM CONSTITUENT REGARDING AN ONGOING THROTTLE PROBLEM WITH HIS 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD; INFORMATION PROVIDED TO NHTSA THAT MAY BE THE BASES OF A RECALL OF THE THUNDERBIRD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20131021
Also filed under ENGINE
4 of 27 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
THROTTLE BODY SYSTEM FAILURE CAUSING INAPPROPRIATE VEHICLE DECELERATION WHILE DRIVING. THIS CONDITION HAPPENS WITHOUT WARNING AND CAN CAUSE ANOTHER VEHICLE TO REAR END YOU.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190923
4 of 27 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing side/window.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING MY CAR ON THE HIGHWAY LAST EVENING, THE LEFT SHOULDER AIRBAG WAS DEPLOYED. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I NOTED THAT THE LEFT FRONT TIRE WAS FLAT. MY HUSBAND CHANGED THE TIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210506
Also filed under SEATS
ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2006 WHILE TRAVELING ON AN 8-LANE HIGHWAY AT A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH THE DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG ON MY 2005 FORD THUNDERBIRD DEPLOYED WITH A VERY LOUD NOISE AND CONSIDERABLE FORCE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20060921
WHILE DRIVING TO WORK AT APPROX. 65 MPH, MY DRIVERS SIDE, SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. THANKFULLY I DIDN'T LOSE CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE. I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND EXITED MY VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20060220
3 of 27 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
SAFETY TIMELINE
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK MAY HAVE A LOCALIZED THIN WALL SECTION IN THE LOWER HALF OF THE TANK. THE FUEL TANK MAY CRACK CREATING A POTENTIAL FOR A FUEL LEAK AND FUEL ODOR. THE "SER
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 4, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673, LINCOLN AT 1-800-521-4140.
Campaign 05V113000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2005 Ford Thunderbird — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 05V113000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2005 Ford Thunderbird reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Ford Thunderbird?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Ford Thunderbird have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.